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Is the National Minimum Wage Set to Increase?

The National Minimum Wage is likely to increase by 30c at the beginning of 2018. An announcement was recently made by the Taoiseach, Mr. Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Minister of State for Disability Issues Finian McGrath, confirming the Low Pay Commission put forward a recommendation to increase the minimum wage by 30c.

The Low Pay Commission has set out a range of data that it has considered in recommending the increase such as risks to the economy and international comparative research. It was also reported that the commission consulted with workers and employers in relevant sectors and sought submissions from interested parties.

The Taoiseach stated “The Government welcomes the recommendation from the Low Pay Commission to increase the national minimum wage by 30c to €9.55 per hour. It would work out as a €12 increase in a full 40 hour week. This would be a modest increase but it’s ahead of the rate of inflation and average increases in earnings.”

Once introduced, it will be the fourth increase in the minimum wage since 2011. The first two recommendations from the Low Pay Commission were accepted by the Government. The first introduced a 50c increase per hour from €8.65 to €9.15 per hour in 2015. The second was introduced on 1st January 2017, increasing the minimum wage by a further 10c per hour to €9.25 per hour.

Graphite HRM will keep you updated with any further movement on the minimum wage. If you have any questions relating to this article, please contact the advice line on 01 886 0350